UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre has warned Carlos Condit that he is back to his best and will be making up for lost time when the pair meet at UFC 154 this weekend.

St-Pierre makes his long-awaited return to the Octagon after more than 18 months out following a cruciate ligament injury.

And the Canadian has informed interim belt holder Condit that he is in top condition and has no fears of any weakness in his knee.

"I'm 110 per cent," St-Pierre told AXS TV's 'Inside MMA'. "I feel like the injury never happened. I can't cry. Some people don't have money - they're uninsured; they can't walk. Me? I had an injury, but I do what I love for a living."

Condit has panned St-Pierre for his lack of killer instinct, but the welterweight champion is unfazed by the criticism, claiming he will bide his time before finishing the fight when the opportunity arises.

"I like criticism, because it helps me become better as a martial artist," St-Pierre said. "Of course I want to be more exciting. I used to try to throw a big punch to end the fight and get the knockout.

"But, now I'm happy to be in the Octagon. I'm not in a rush. I'm gonna be picking the guy apart. I'm gonna see the opportunity, and I'm gonna jump on it like a lion."